Yankees Mailbag: On a DJ LeMahieu extension and why Francisco Lindor is 'someone to watch'

Plus thoughts on the rotation battle, the start of the season, and more

With the MLB season still paused, let's dip into the Yankees mailbag...

@muscigerard1: If Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan walked into a bar together who buys the first drink?

Ruth would buy the drink and then Jordan would commission a documentary about what a great drinking buddy he was. In that documentary, he would go out of his way to call the hardworking bartender short and ugly.

Former Yankee Didi Gregorius pays respects after death of New York Post photographer Anthony Causi

Causi died from coronavirus at age 48

Oct 17, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) reacts after hitting a single during the second inning against the Houston Astros in game four of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The New York Post announced late Sunday night that their beloved sports photographer Anthony Causi died at 48 due to coronavirus.

Former Yankee Didi Gregorius, who loves photography himself, paid his respects over Twitter to the Causi family...

Grading offseason for Mets, rest of NL East in wake of Josh Donaldson leaving division

The Mets had a solid offseason, but could've done more

So the Josh Donaldson domino finally fell on Tuesday night, and by landing in Minnesota it didn't tilt the balance of power in the NL East, after all. Or my offseason grades, for that matter.

Either the Nationals or the Braves could have separated themselves by signing -- or re-signing -- the power-hitting third baseman. Instead, there's not much to separate the work the four contenders did this offseason, and even the Marlins at least warrant a grade this time for spending a little dough to upgrade their roster.

Last season, the division was the toughest in the majors, producing the 97-win Braves, the World Series-winning Nationals, a Mets team that went 46-26 in the second half (falling just short of a wild-card berth), and the dangerous-but-flawed Phillies who faded down the stretch but at least finished at .500.

Longtime trainer Steve Donohue transitioning to 'emeritus' role as Yankees make changes to training staff: report

Donohue has been with organization since 1979

By Alex Smith | Jan 3 | 9:07PM

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(Adam Hunger)

The Yankees were the most injury-riddled team in baseball during the 2019 season, and now the team is making huge changes to its training staff.

According to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, the Yankees are making a number of drastic changes to their training and performance staff. Steve Donohue, who has been with the organization since 1979 and with the major league staff since 1986, will be transitioned to "a status akin to trainer emeritus, though it's expected he'll remain involved with the club."

Additionally, the Yankees are hiring Eric Cressey, who runs Cressey Sports Performance and hosts an Elite Baseball Development podcast, to oversee their training and strength and conditioning staff.

Yankees All-Decade Team: John Harper picks the best at each position

CC Sabathia, Aaron Judge and others make the cut?

Perhaps the 2010s can be explained simply as the law of averages catching up with the Yankees, a reminder of just how remarkable it was to navigate the postseason so flawlessly while winning four championships in five years two decades ago.

More likely the teams of this decade simply weren't quite as clutch or complete as those Joe Torre ballclubs that remain the last dynasty we've seen in baseball.

Either way, this decade will be remembered dubiously in the Bronx as the first one in 100 years in which the Yankees didn't make at least one World Series appearance.

Yankees' Aaron Boone on Didi Gregorius exit: 'Glad he's in the other league'

Boone tells Didi 'hopefully we'll meet in October'

By Nick Wojton | Dec 17, 2019 | 6:52PM

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Oct 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning of game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports (David Berding)

The Phillies' new shortstop Didi Gregorius said earlier this week that his former team, the Yankees, had bigger fish to fry instead of re-signing him.

That big, big fish was starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, who will be introduced by the Yankees on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone is certainly excited about the new ace on his pitching staff, but he also acknowledged losing Gregorius is a blow to his roster and locker room alike.

Didi Gregorius says that Yankees made it clear signing Gerrit Cole was their main priority

Shortstop will reunite with old manager Joe Girardi in Philadelphia

By Corey Hersch | Dec 16, 2019 | 8:43PM

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Jun 29, 2019; London, ENG; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) celebrates his run with his team mates during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at London Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports (Steven Flynn)

Didi Gregorius was officially introduced as the Phillies' shortstop on Monday as he reunited with his former manager in the Bronx, Joe Girardi.

While the two (and ex-Met Zack Wheeler, who was also officially introduced as a member of the Phillies on Monday) faced questions from reporters about their landing spot, Gregorius was also asked how close he was to returning to the Yankees.

Aaron Boone on Didi Gregorius signing with Phillies: 'The team is lucky to have him'

Gregorius reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Phillies

By Coby Green | Dec 10, 2019 | 10:04PM

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Aaron Boone spoke with the media at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday afternoon, just minutes after Didi Gregorius reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Boone, who managed Gregorius with the Yankees over the last two seasons, reacted to the news of the signing, playfully being skeptical of the reporting before talking about his former shortstop.

"I'll wait until the Phillies announce it and really know it's official," Boone said while cracking a smile. "Didi has been a great player for us and is a great person and is somebody that's obviously been there before I got there...I followed his career just because he came up with Cincinnati and then was out in Arizona, so I was very familiar with him."

SAN DIEGO -- Soon -- perhaps very soon, according to people in the know -- the Yankees will know if Gerrit Cole wants to play for them. Until then, the team's strong focus is on the free agent pitcher, and they'll deal with other concerns later.

For example, the Yankees seemed unfazed by the news that Didi Gregorius signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Phillies. People familiar with the team's thinking believe that the front office decided as far back as September to part with Gregorius.

Though the team loved Gregorius' production, clubhouse presence, and ability to replace an icon in Derek Jeter, they appeared to believe that they simply had enough in-house coverage at shortstop to let Gregorius walk.

Gregorius has manned shortstop for the Yankees since 2015

The Yankees' shortstop situation just became very clear, as Didi Gregorius has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phillies, according to multiple reports. NBC Sports' Jim Salisbury has the deal set at $14 million for the year.

Brian Cashman said he was talking to all the Yankees on the free agent market, and Gregorius was among them. But with Gleyber Torres under team control and his natural position being shortstop, SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier this offseason that a Gregorius reunion was unlikely.

It was suggested on Monday by MLB Network's Jon Heyman that Gregorius was going to see a multi-year deal worth $14-15 million per season. But while the price range was correct, Gregorius didn't get that long-term deal, which is likely caused by a mediocre season following a return from Tommy John surgery.

MLB Winter Meetings Rumor Roundup: Yankees buzz on Monday, Dec. 9

Yanks reportedly shopping JA Happ with their eyes on Gerrit Cole

Dec 9, 2019 | 10:22PM

MLB's Winter Meetings have officially begun in San Diego, and the Yankees are expected to be among those extremely active in upgrading their 2020 roster. Here are the latest rumors for today...

Dec. 9, 10:17 PM:

As the Yankees continue to pursue Gerrit Cole, who will land the richest contract in baseball history whenever he signs, it now seems like the team is looking to alleviate some of that financial burden.

Curry added that the Yankees have engaged with Betances, who he says attended a congratulatory dinner for Carlos Beltran after Beltran was named manager of the Mets.

Betances, who will turn 32 before Opening Day, pitched just 2/3 of an inning in 2019 after dealing with a lat injury. He returned toward the end of the season, but suffered an Achilles injury in his only appearance that ended his year.

Gregorius has been linked to the Reds and Phillies

Oct 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning of game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports (David Berding)

The Yankees are open to bringing free agent Didi Gregorius back, but his market could be approaching a level the Bombers don't want to go to.

Gregorius "seems likely" to get a multiyear deal worth roughly $14 million or $15 million, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported on Monday, adding that the Reds could potentially be priced out at that number.

4 Takeaways from Yankees GM Brian Cashman, including what he expects in Gerrit Cole competition

"At the end of the day, if you're a free agent, talent gets paid."

Yankees GM Brian Cashman will be on a flight to San Diego Sunday night, as the MLB Winter Meetings will be conducted for the next few days. But first, he made a pit stop at the "Heights & Lights" program in Stamford, CT where he propelled from The Landmark Building wearing an elf costume.

Once his duties were done and he safely made his way to the ground, Cashman took the time to discuss the Yankees and what he believes will go down at the Winter Meetings.

Brian Cashman has been clear about his desire to bring Gardner back

By Coby Green | Dec 6, 2019 | 10:20AM

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With all eyes on the Yankees' pursuit of Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, the team still has multiple free agents of their own that they are considering bringing back, including Brett Gardner and Didi Gregorius.

As SNY's Andy Martino reported Thursday, the Yankees remain optimistic about a reunion with Gardner even as their main offseason focus remains on pitching.

On Friday, Yankees GM Brian Cashman discussed the continued dialogue with the Gardner and Gregorius camps.

Now, Philadelphia has allowed two of their infielder mainstays to become free agents, and their manager - former Yankees skipper Joe Girardi - has gone on the record about how much he likes Gregorius as a player.

"He's a real character guy and he's a real hard worker who is a really important clubhouse presence," Girardi told reporters in Philadelphia on Tuesday. "I felt that he was important to the clubhouse in New York and what he brought every day.

"I've always been a big fan of Didi and what he's been able to accomplish."

How does Reds signing Mike Moustakas affect their chances of landing Didi Gregorius?

Cincinnati had been named as possible frontrunner for Yankee SS

By Corey Hersch | Dec 2, 2019 | 6:46PM

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Oct 5, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) reacts to hitting a grand slam against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning in game two of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

The Reds ignited the Hot Stove on Monday by signing Mike Moustakas to a four-year, $64 million dollar contract. Moustakas is expected to play second base for Cincinnati, who non-tendered infielder Jose Peraza earlier in the day.

The Reds had been named as a potential suitor for Didi Gregorius, who is also a free agent after playing the last five seasons for the Yankees. How Moustakas' signing affects their chances of landing the 29-year-old.

With Peraza no longer on the roster, that removes him as a potential replacement for Jose Iglesias, a free agent who played 144 games at shortstop for the Reds last season. The team also claimed Freddy Galvis off waivers from Toronto in August and have him under contract for 2020, as well.

A look at some smaller-ticket items available this offseason

In honor of Black Friday, where the lure of bargains convinces otherwise rational people to navigate the madness of overcrowded shopping, here's a list of free agents on which you won't find Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, or Anthony Rendon.

No, this isn't the big-ticket aisle but more of a discount store for players who could provide the best bang for the buck.

In some cases that means gambling on bounce-back seasons for players who were dealing with injuries, in others it means settling for an under-the-radar level of performance and certainty.

A look at some smaller-ticket items available this offseason

In honor of Black Friday, where the lure of bargains convinces otherwise rational people to navigate the madness of overcrowded shopping, here's a list of free agents on which you won't find Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, or Anthony Rendon.

No, this isn't the big-ticket aisle but more of a discount store for players who could provide the best bang for the buck.

In some cases that means gambling on bounce-back seasons for players who were dealing with injuries, in others it means settling for an under-the-radar level of performance and certainty.

Phillies reportedly interested in signing SS Didi Gregorius

Jean Segura would either switch positions or be traded

By Coby Green | Nov 22, 2019 | 3:35PM

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Oct 5, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) reacts to hitting a grand slam against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning in game two of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

It seems one-time Yankees manager Joe Girardi is interested in one of his former players, as the Phillies have emerged as suitors for free agent Didi Gregorius, it was reported by MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Girardi managed Gregorius during the shortstop's first three seasons in New York from 2015-2017. Girardi was named the new manager of the Phillies earlier this offseason.

With the idea of bringing in Gregorius, current Phillies shortstop Jean Segura would either move to a different position or even potentially be traded if a deal were to happen.

5 free agent options for Mets to upgrade at third base

Josh Donaldson, Didi Gregorius, and yes, Todd Frazier make the list

The Mets have plenty of internal options when it comes to finding a starting third baseman.

Jeff McNeil, J.D. Davis and Jed Lowrie are all capable of handling the position, so it's quite possible Brodie Van Wagenen looks to add an outfielder instead, knowing McNeil can play in either spot.

The other play this offseason is to go heavy at third base options and put McNeil in the outfield, who looked comfortable and played well in left field this past season. I still think he's a second baseman, but that's a different subject for a different day...

4 potential trade packages for Yankees' Miguel Andujar

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has received numerous inquires from teams

Brian Cashman said last week he has received numerous inquiries from teams about trading Miguel Andujar, and while Gio Urshela's emergence makes that idea tempting for the Yankees, the pros and cons of it lean toward such extremes that finding the right deal could be difficult.

Consider, for example, these contrasting points of view from two scouts I talked to this weekend:

"Andujar's ceiling as a hitter is so high that I'm not sure the Yankees could get anywhere near the value they should for him," one scout said. "He's got an innate ability to make contact, square the ball up and hit it hard, which everybody saw in his rookie year, and he'll only get better as he continues to see major-league pitching."

With Cubs open to trading from core, what could it mean for Yankees and Mets?

Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Willson Contreras could be among the players available

So Theo Epstein is open for business, seemingly determined to shake up a roster that has fallen short of expectations since the Cubs' curse-busting championship in 2016.

He told reporters at the GM Meeting in Arizona this week that "change is not always easy but it's necessary," and declared "there are no untouchables" when it comes to the possibility of a trade this offseason.

Yes, with his once-youthful core of position players now speeding toward free agency, and a payroll that went over the luxury-tax threshold this season, Epstein apparently is ready to consider any and all deals that could save the Cubs some money while still giving them a shot in 2020 at another championship.

Didi Gregorius (who the team did not extend a qualifying offer to), Brett Gardner, and Dellin Betances are all free to walk. And GM Brian Cashman doesn't seem ready to let all of them go.

Gregorius and Betances have the same agent, and Cashman said Thursday that the two sides sat down at the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz. to talk about Gregorius, with Betances "also in that conversation."

With Cubs open to trading from core, what could it mean for Mets and Yankees?

Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Willson Contreras could be among the players available

So Theo Epstein is open for business, seemingly determined to shake up a roster that has fallen short of expectations since the Cubs' curse-busting championship in 2016.

He told reporters at the GM Meetings in Arizona this week that "change is not always easy but it's necessary," and declared "there are no untouchables" when it comes to the possibility of a trade this offseason.

Yes, with his once-youthful core of position players now speeding toward free agency, and a payroll that went over the luxury-tax threshold this season, Epstein apparently is ready to consider any and all deals that could save the Cubs some money while still giving them a shot in 2020 at another championship.

Stay or Go? Examining if Yankees should bring back free agent Didi Gregorius

The Yanks already have his replacement in the clubhouse

Didi Gregorius came to New York nearly five years ago tasked with replacing a pinstriped legend at a high-profile position. He was the shortstop-after-Derek Jeter, but he never seemed to let that looming shadow engulf him and he crafted a strong career as a Yankee.

Now, however, Gregorius is a free agent and it's hard to peg whether his future is in the Bronx. Will the Yankees, who saw the value of depth last season, bring him back even though they have a potential replacement on the roster?

Or is Gregorius, the best free agent shortstop, headed for a nice multi-year deal elsewhere, even after his disappointing return from Tommy John surgery this year?

Bombers have a few options to fill the role

By Alex Smith | Nov 13, 2019 | 11:20PM

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Gleyber Torres (Troy Taormina )

The Yankees have had more continuity at shortstop in the last 25 years than most teams could dream about.

Derek Jeter locked down the spot for a remarkable 20 seasons, putting up a Hall of Fame career in pinstripes. Then, Didi Gregorius was acquired from the Diamonbacks after Jeter retired, and he went on to call the position home for most of five seasons.

But as of now, Gregorius is on the open market as a free agent, and the Yankees have many cards that they could play to fill that role. Perhaps they look at the trade or free agent market, or perhaps they look inward.

Gleyber Torres became the Yankees primary shortstop last season while Gregorius was recovering from Tommy John surgery, and is certainly in play to take over that role on a full-time basis moving forward.

Brian Cashman: Yankees have 'quality options' at shortstop

Gleyber Torres among candidates already on the roster

By Alex Smith | Nov 12, 2019 | 6:16PM

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While going after the big-name starting pitchers on the free agent market may be the top priority for the Yankees this offseason, the team's situation at shortstop is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

SNY's Andy Martino has previously reported that the Yanks are not expected to pursue Didi Gregorius, who's manned the position for them since Derek Jeter retired after the 2014 season, "very aggressively," and at least one other team has already been rumored as a possible destination for the 29-year-old.

Speaking at the GM meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Tuesday, Brian Cashman spoke about the future of the position for the team, discussing both internal and external possibilities.

Martino reported on Nov. 7 that it was a close call regarding whether or not Gregorius would return to the Bronx in 2020, but that Gregorius' side did not think a "pillow contract" -- the term for a one-year deal to restore health or value -- was necessary since he came back from Tommy John surgery in June and has already proven his health.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman says team is in play for free agents Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg

The Yankees may have their sights set on two big-ticket items this offseason

By Corey Hersch | Nov 11, 2019 | 10:23PM

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Both Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg will be on the open market this offseason, and according to Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman, the team will be looking at one or both of the starting pitchers.

Speaking to reporters at the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cashman knows the price will be high, but says the team will certainly do their due dilligence when it comes inquiring about the right-handers.

"We're going to talk to Strasburg. We're going to talk to Cole," Cashman said. "We're going to talk to the higher-end guys and talk to some surprise guys I'm sure. It's hard to predict, but obviously anybody would have interest in players like that.

The Yankees recently elected not to extend a qualifying offer to Didi Gregorius, and now suitors are starting to line up for the shortstop's services.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Cincinnati Reds have interest in the 29-year-old. The Reds signed Gregorius as an amateur free agent back in 2007, and he made his MLB debut for the team in 2012.

Latest on Yankees and free agent Didi Gregorius: A close call on whether he will return

The Yankees did not extend a qualifying offer to the free agent

Oct 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning of game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports (David Berding)

Not long ago, it seemed assured that Didi Gregorius would remain a member of the Yankees' new core, not a homegrown player but one essential to their culture.

He had already effectively replaced an icon in Derek Jeter. Fans liked that he tweeted emojis. The front office liked his personality and production.

After a tough season returning from Tommy John surgery, Gregorius' future is far murkier. There are signs that the player and team are apart on value, and that other clubs are more likely to pursue him in free agency.

Yankees don't extend qualifying offer to free agent Didi Gregorius

Will the Yanks let him walk in free agency?

Didi Gregorius is officially a free agent after the Yankees didn't extend the qualifying offer to the shortstop.

The Yankees had until 5 p.m. on Monday to extend the $17.8 offer to Gregorius. If they did so and he rejected it, the Yankees would have received a compensatory pick.

This move isn't too surprising from the Yankees, as it was always a toss-up as to what they would do regarding the veteran shortstop. Gregorius didn't have the best 2019 season to give himself a strong case for a new contract. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Gregorius returned in June, but didn't have that good of a year at the plate.

Aroldis Chapman has reached a new deal with the Yankees and will remain with the team through the 2022 season, it was first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Chapman added an extra year at $18 million to go with the existing $30 million he was set to receive over the next two seasons, so now the Yanks will give the closer $48 million over the next three years.

Chapman was in talks with the Yankees to try and rework the remaining two years and $30 million left on his contract, it was reported ealier in the night on Saturday by MLB Network's Jon Heyman, and it looks that the two sides came to a quick agreement.

The Yanks have until Monday at 5 p.m. to decide

The Yankees have a lot of decisions to make with their own free agents, including the futures of Brett Gardner and Dellin Betances. But they're already on the clock when it comes to perhaps their hardest call.

New York has until Monday at 5 p.m. to decide whether to extend a qualifying offer to free agent infielder Didi Gregorius.

Yankees decline option on Edwin Encarnacion, making him free agent

Encarnacion hits the free agent market after being acquired via trade during the season

In a move that was expected, the Yankees have declined the $20 million option on Edwin Encarnacion for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.

The option for 2020 contained a $5 million buyout.

The 36-year-old Encarnacion was acquired by the Yankees from the Mariners in June in exchange for 19-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Juan Then. The Mariners also paid down a significant portion of Encarnacion's remaining salary for 2019.

Cashman and Boone will host their end-of-year press conference

As is custom following the end of the season, Yankees GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone will hold a press conference on Thursday to reflect this past year and look ahead at plans for the offseason.

There is also the small chance that some news about certain players surfaces as well. Fans may remember the announcement of Didi Gregorius needing Tommy John surgery came in this press conference last season.

So, with many different questions to answer before they jump headfirst into the offseason, here's a few Boone and Cashman should answer on Thursday...

Postseason grades for every key Yankees player

We also handed out grades to Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman

Oct 17, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros in game four of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

In the end, the Astros were a little better than the Yankees in all phases, yet with just a few clutch hits from some of their best players, as well as more dominance from the ballyhooed bullpen, the New Yorkers could have prevailed in the ALCS.

It doesn't mean Brian Cashman should overhaul this team by any means. The Astros are looking more and more like a potential dynasty: they're on the verge of winning two championships in three years, and they might well have won it all last year had Jose Altuve and a couple of other key players not been playing through injuries in October.

Mostly the Yankees need to keep knocking on the door, while hoping that Gerrit Cole leaves the Astros as a free agent and Justin Verlander starts looking his age.

You can make the case that if Aaron Judge had hit in the ALCS like Jose Altuve -- the guy who beat him out for MVP in 2017 -- the Yankees would still be alive in this postseason, and indeed that is sometimes the difference between winning and losing in October.

Your star needs to be better than their star.

However, I would argue that even if the Yankees were still alive, they'd have only the tiniest of chances to win Game 7 against the hottest pitcher in baseball, Gerrit Cole.

Bombers fought back, but Altuve played hero

The Yankees fought back, but ultimately Jose Altuve's walk-off home run ended their season, sending the Astros to the World Series with a 6-4 win. >> Box Score

Five things to know from Saturday's game

1) The Yankees gave everyone a dramatic finish but when all was said and done, the Astros left no doubt about which team was better in this series, as they won it in six games. They outplayed the Yankees in big ways and small, with stronger starting pitching, more game-changing home runs, smarter baserunning and especially sparkling defense, making some great plays that proved crucial in Game 6.

With Gerrit Cole looming in potential ALCS Game 7, Yankees' best bet is winning three straight

Even not at his best, Cole pitched 7 scoreless in Game 3

Oct 15, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) strikes out off a pitch by Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) during the seventh inning in game three of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports (Robert Deutsch)

Your mission, Yankees, should you choose to accept it, is now to win three straight games or at best be doomed to facing Gerrit Cole in Game 7, which is pretty much a death sentence these days.

Ok, choose isn't exactly the right word, since the Astros are going to have plenty to say about the Yankees getting on any type of roll in this ALCS, and obviously Justin Verlander would be no picnic in Game 6 as well.